New Year Holiday Ideas and What's Cool for 2013

With many people choosing to celebrate New Years with a European ski break, we check out a couple of great resorts to visit this season

Neilson Holidays give us a scoop on the essential 2013 slope- style

With so many people looking for ski holiday deals at this time of year, we asked the experts at Neilson Holidays to give us the scoop on some top New Year holiday destinations give us their upcoming ski fashion trends, helping you look cool on the slopes in 2013 as you celebrate the New Year coming in...

Relax with loved ones in Livigno, Italy

The Italian resort of Livigno, situated close to the Swiss border, is a very popular New Year destination, particularly for families. The resort is situated in a traditional Alpine village and boasts slopes suitable for varying levels of ski ability. Kids on their first ski trip can be left in the capable hands of a range of English speaking ski schools, leaving you free to explore the beautiful valley, or maybe enjoy some of the renowned shopping in Livigno itself. Be sure to stop in to local-favourite Fausto's restaurant in the Galli hotel and apartments, while Marco's bar is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

The Galli hotel itself is one of the best small hotels in Livigno; located just 50m from the ski school meeting point. It is an ideal location for families of skiers who like the idea of bundling straight out of bed and onto the slopes! For big groups of friends and family looking for group ski deals, Neilson offer some great discounts from 10% when booking holidays with 7 or more people.

Sample the scenery and great night life at Alpe d'Huez, France

Like Livigno, the Alpe d'Huez resort in France is great for families, offering a range of slopes for all ability levels. Children will love the range of off-slope activities, while cycling enthusiasts will remember the town as the site of some of the Tour de France's most contested stages, as highlighted in famous sportswriter Jean-Paul Vespini's book The Tour is Won in the Alpe.

Alongside its great skiing and family appeal, the resort is also known for its renowned après-ski. A great quality and variety of bars, clubs and restaurants are on offer, tending to be concentrated in the Quartier des Jeux. After dinner and a few drinks, there are a number of local favourites for continuing the party later into the night including Igloo, the Yeti bar and Tropicana.

For those looking for catered ski chalets, Neilson's Chalets le Lac Blanc are unlikely to be beaten for luxury, style and comfort. Each sleeping up to 14 people, the twin chalets are undoubtedly the best located in the whole resorted, opening straight onto the pistes and near to the important local shops, bars and restaurants.

What's Cool for 2013

For those who know where they're going but not what to wear, here's one of Neilson's top recommendations for slope-side style in the coming year:

Ski wear, and particularly salopettes, are going to be slimmer and more tailored in 2013, perhaps an influence of the skinny-jeans crowd, but big, combat-style trousers in bright colours will still be popular in the parks and slopes, particularly with the boarders. Slimmer salopettes are partly made possible by the arrival of new fabrics which can be lightweight without sacrificing insulation and durability, thus allowing for greater elegance while keeping the practical features essential for comfort in the cold. So, for those heading off on skiing holidays this New Years or throughout 2013, make sure you pack a good pair, especially with all the snow that keeps falling!